In Iowa, we have a patch trimmed in different colors depending on one's level of accomplishment. In other words, you pass the closed book test, your patch is trimmed in green (approved). Then you start working your way up, demonstrating rules knowledge on tests, working V games, getting playoff considerations from coaches, and other stuff, you go to being trimmed in gold (recognized), then blue (certified) and finally purple (superior). That all having been said, I see very few guys who actually wear patches no matter their level of accomplishment. Our state allows for a flag and they encourage us to wear a small red patch, trimmed in gold, that says 'Say No to Drugs.'

You might mention to them to change the patch to match our kids rec league slogan: "Do Sports - Not Drugs". It's a little more "catchy" and relates to the fact that we want kids to participate in sports to help them keep their heads on straight.

BTW - does a pink border around your state patch mean "there's nothing wrong with that?" :p

I'm sure there are plenty of unpatched refs here, yet we have over 5,000 licensed officials. I started off doing high school games immediately and wanted to do it the right way. I felt I'd be cheating myself if I wasn't patched and didn't pass the test. It's pretty much the norm regarding being licensed and patched. You won't get much respect nor much of ANY schedule without being licensed here.

I do believe that's an empty beer bucket next to our striped friend. So it's not just the jersey that's sideways :D

I have had people that said the same thing to me when I was working AAU games or even summer games which do not require a patch.

Peace

I think the whole "Patched" terminology and language is ridiculous and many comments in this thread are the reason why. To say someone is going to get patched says nothing of their ability to officiate a game well. Whether someone wears a patch or not is no indication of their training or ability.

Agree. You evaluate the official, not the patch.

This patch has to be on the right-hand side, correct?

To say someone is going to get patched says nothing of their ability to officiate a game well. Whether someone wears a patch or not is no indication of their training or ability.

Disagree to some extent. You have to be licensed in Illinois to ref high chool games, to be licensed yearly, you have to pass a test and attend a mandatory rules meeting and additionally attend a clinic I believe every other year. Does this make you a good ref? Of course not, but it does say something about one's training........... they've made the effort. I can only go by what I see in the Chicagoland area, and an unpatched official at the middle school level leaves alot to be desired and clearly indicates no effort for self improvement or a willingness to learn. That said, there are plenty of horrible officials that are patched only in an effort to collect a check.

I do know there are quite a few varsity games worked in Illinois without patches being worn. Some of the officials are from out of state and aren't looking to impress the IHSA since they aren't going to get post-season games anyway. Some work mostly college games.

Nobody's ever said anything to me about not wearing a patch. Of course, in Wisconsin we don't wear any.

You don't where you are, but I'm sure you've read someone say something like, "I think I will get patched next year" or something similar. My comment had to do with the fact that a patch alone, or the process involved with getting one, doesn't make an official a good official. This may be something that is very misunderstood by the fans.

Local IAABO Board Patch ...
 

On our local IAABO board, the "first" year official is considered a "probationary" member, which simply means that he, or she, has passed the written test before the season began, usually after attending about a dozen rules clinics. Once they pass the written test, they attend several mechanics clinics, after which they are eligible to accept subvarsity assignments, middle school, freshman, or junior varsity games. Toward the end of the season, they must pass a floor exam, after which they become full members of our local board, which is signified by the new member receiving his, or her, patch at our final board meeting of the season.

I agree with those who posted that an unpatched official can be a very good official, especially those who may have had previous experience outside our IAABO organization. I also agree that a patched official can be a very poor official, especially if he, or she, doesn't take advantage of camps, clinics, colleague critiques, etc.

Fans in our area seem to recognize the meaning of the patch. As is our custom, varsity officials must observe about three periods of the junior varsity game, that usually precedes our varsity game. We often hear fans reacting to a "bad" call by a "probationary" member, that the official "doesn't have a patch".

http://re3.yt-thm-a04.yimg.com/image/25/m2/2354979356

I think we should all wear this patch. I bet coaches would stop giving us crap.

http://www.fleoa.org/images/products/PATCH02.jpg

...or patches like these....

http://www.friscohellsangels.com/

enter at your own risk...